All of 2023

Dear friends, It has been too long since I have posted an update. This is not because there has not been action in Madagascar, but rather the opposite. Since the last update the school in Ranotsara is nearing completion. The roof is on and final touches have been purchased for painting and windows. I hope to have pictures soon. The people of Ranatsora thank members of St. John for their generous financial gifts to build this needed space. Pastor Jean hosted many people from Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (Pewaukee, WI) in September. During their visit they provided support and helped dig and install a well on purchased land for the House of Hope, as well as provide gifts to rural children of the area! After that, he was able to come to the USA to visit friends, the Institute for Lutheran Theology, and to share his story and look for new partners in his ministry. He visited Puebla, Mexico to talk with the founder of Living Hope, an top-notch orphanage and school. https://vimeo.com/909535032/88f1050950?share=copy The next mission goal is to turn a dream of Pastor Jean's since childhood into a reality. Expanding through the years with experience on smaller projects throughout Madagascar, funds are now building an orphanage and school!!! A non-profit charity has been established in Ihosy, Madagacar and is also in the works in Wisconsin as well. The newly established House of Hope Madagascar-USA (known as HOHM-USA) has a 7-member Board to support the orphanage/school. We hope to have an active website soon, but until then, gifts can be contributed to either Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church or St. John Lutheran Church and more information can be found here or on House of Hope Madagasikara profile page, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554319433911&mibextid=ZbWKwL A groundbreaking ceremony occurred on 6 January 2024, and a eibbon-cutting ceremony is tentativelyscheduled for end of September/early October. Here are some videos to watch of the progress! https://vimeo.com/909548147/c2c8e2a0aa?share=copy https://www.facebook.com/share/v/KWfFuZK8qr9QEZNk/?mibextid=w8EBqM Cool swag can be purchased to support this mission at https://tministry.com/pages/house-of-hope.

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